AWARD-WINNING Grimethorpe Colliery Band, who catapulted to worldwide recognition through the 1996 hit movie Brassed Off, come to Lighthouse in Poole on March 22.

This concert will provide a rare opportunity to see what is still regarded as the UK’s premier Brass Band.

The band was seen in action by a worldwide TV audience of 2.5 billion people during the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony alongside the London Symphony Orchestra in Danny Boyles epic production.

The musicians were part of the spectacular Isles of Wonder presentation that saw the vast green and pleasant landscape inside the stadium turned into the era of the industrial revolution.

The history of Grimethorpe has become one of legend since the band’s original formation by members of the disbanded Cudworth Colliery Band in 1917.

From their conception Grimethorpe have been regular competitors in national and international competitions, more often than not taking first prize.

When Edgar Howarth joined the band in the 1970’s he transformed the entire repertoire to give Grimethorpe a unique sound and a style that has helped secure their position in the hearts of fans and newcomers alike.

The story of Grimethorpe really comes into its own in 1992 when the government of the time announced there were to be nationwide pit closures. With unemployment looming the band continued to play and were determined to progress to the final of the National Brass Band Championships, despite the hardships every member faced in their personal life.

The final details of the pit closures were announced just five days before the band were due to take part in the competition at the Royal Albert Hall. The world’s media seized on the band as a ‘new angle’ for their stories relating to the closures.

Grimethorpe triumphed at the contest to become the Champion Brass Band of Great Britain.

Further fame and recognition followed in 1996 when the band featured on the soundtrack of the British made film Brassed Off.

Starring the late Peter Postlethwaite, Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald it told the story of a brass band from the fictional Yorkshire mining town of Grimely who, faced with the closure of their pit, went on to triumph at the National Brass Band Championships.

The film took Grimethorpe on to international stardom and the band was inundated with invitations to appear all over the world.

See for yourself what the fuss is all about at Lighthouse on March 22. Tickets and full details are available from 0844 406 8666.